Employee Resource Groups Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'intersectionality' as it applies to ERG membership?

Answer: An employee's multiple social identities can overlap and create unique experiences of advantage or disadvantage

Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities that intersect to shape their distinct experiences in the workplace.

A company's ERG structure requires all ERGs to report outcomes to a central Diversity Council. This structure primarily ensures:

Answer: Alignment between ERG activities and organizational DEI goals

Reporting to a Diversity Council creates accountability and ensures ERG efforts are coordinated with broader organizational DEI strategy.

ERG leaders are encouraged to develop 'business cases' for their initiatives primarily because:

Answer: It demonstrates ERG value in terms leadership understands and funds

Business cases translate ERG impact into organizational language—retention, engagement, innovation—making it easier to secure resources and leadership buy-in.

Which of the following is an example of an ERG contributing to product development?

Answer: Providing market insight review for a product targeting Latino consumers

ERGs representing specific demographics can provide authentic consumer insights that improve product relevance and market reach.

A newly formed ERG lacks senior leadership visibility. The MOST effective immediate step is to:

Answer: Recruit an executive sponsor from the C-suite

An executive sponsor provides immediate credibility, resources, and a direct link between the ERG and organizational leadership.

Under what circumstance should an ERG's membership criteria potentially be reviewed?

Answer: When the criteria inadvertently exclude employees with overlapping intersectional identities

Membership criteria should be periodically reviewed to ensure they remain inclusive and do not unintentionally marginalize employees with complex intersecting identities.

Which of the following BEST represents a strategic ERG action, as opposed to a social one?

Answer: Partnering with HR to redesign the onboarding process for neurodiverse employees

Strategic ERG actions directly influence organizational systems and processes, such as redesigning onboarding, rather than focusing solely on social or celebratory activities.